Catalytic converters may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to expensive car parts, but the important component is actually very valuable.
But what are catalytic converters? At their most basic, these relatively simple machines change toxic fumes into less harmful emissions. Most vehicles produce a lot of bad stuff like nitric oxide and carbon monoxide as they drive. Breathing in these fumes can be very harmful to a person’s health, so catalytic converts help change them into less dangerous substances such as carbon dioxide and even water vapors. The new emissions can still be very harmful, but they’re less overtly dangerous than emissions that don’t pass through the converter.
Now when it comes to how catalytic converters reduce harmful emissions, things get a little complicated (and expensive). The whole process relies on chemical reactions between the fumes and specific parts of the converter’s system. In many cases, the compounds responsible for these reactions are rhodium, platinum, and palladium. These materials help turn dangerous gasses into manageable emissions — and they’re very expensive. As a result, catalytic converts are very expensive too (some thieves even steal them to illegally resell).
Just how pricey are these things? Find out with this list.
- Walker Exhaust 16572 – Walker Ultra Direct-Fit
- Catalytic Converters for the Ram 2500
- The Mercedes Benz Catalytic Converter
- AP Exhaust 830457 – AP Exhaust Catalytic Converters
- Genuine BMW Catalytic Converters (Replacement Part)
- Fabspeed Ferrari F430 Sport Catalytic Converters
- Catalytic Converters for Chrysler PT Cruisers (Select Years)
- Lamborghini Aventador Catalytic Converters
Brand or Maker: Walker Exhaust
Interesting Fact: This converter fits like OE
Unique Feature: Stainless steel design
photo source: summitracing.com
Anyone who’s worked on a car knows getting the right part can be hard. Slightly wrong measurements can be disastrous, so Walker Exhaust makes this converter slide into place like OE (original equipment).
Getting into the specifics, this piece features a durable stainless steel body, “high-tech washcoat and the right loading of precious metals.” Those precious metals are the compounds that make this converter so expensive. Walker Exhaust doesn’t specifically say which metals are used, but rhodium is a likely contender.
Measurements for this converter are pretty standard: 7.5 inches wide and 24 inches long.
This converter may not sound show-stopping, but its price tag says otherwise. The product costs right around $1,000 — making it the eighth-most expensive catalytic converter on the market.
Did you know?
Experts say stainless steel (like the body of this converter) remains durable because of interactions between alloyed metals. By combining these metals, stainless steel creates a thin film to protect itself from the elements.
Brand or Maker: Unknown
Interesting Fact: This converter fits over 300 vehicles
Unique Feature: Ammonia trap
photo source: moparpartsoverstock.com
The 2020 Ram 2500 is a powerful truck. Reviewers say the vehicle itself is just plain big — with a 39-inch footprint for the grill alone, an 8-foot bed, and plenty of space in the cabin.
Now when it comes to actual power, this truck still doesn’t disappoint. The pickup sports up to 1,000 pound-feet of torque and 410 horsepower. Drivers also get a Hemi V-8 standard and an 8-speed transmission.
Beyond power, the vehicle features some nice luxury features like a 12-inch touchscreen near the driver’s seat and active noise cancellation in the cabin. At its top configuration, this truck costs nearly $90,000.
All those high-end features mean the ram 2500 has some expensive parts — and its catalytic converter is no exception. The piece comes with a price tag right around $1,200, that’s $200 more than the last entry!
Details on the converter itself are limited, but suppliers say the piece fits over 300 unique vehicle variants, including some Ram trucks going back to 2003.
Did you know?
The 2020 Ram 2500 has LED lighting in the cabin.
Brand or Maker: Mercedes Benz
Interesting Fact: This part is OE
Unique Feature: Compatibility with older Benz models
photo source: mercedesbenz.parts
Original equipment parts are often more expensive than off-brand products. And that’s exactly the case with this catalytic converter from Mercedes Benz.
Mercedes Benz is a notoriously pricey vehicle brand. Some vehicles under the name, like those in the G-Class, cost well over $100,000 — and that’s just the starting price! Add any extras and you’re looking at an insanely pricey car.
This converter fits several vehicles under the Benz CLA/GLA 250 name, including the Mercedes Benz 2021 AMG CLA 45 4MATIC Coupe, which comes with a base price of more than $55,000.
As a whole, the class of cars that fit this converter are definitely high-end. The vehicles feature a lot of power and luxury interior details like ambient lighting. It’s no surprise then that important parts like catalytic converters are pricey — this one costs a whopping $1,370.
Did you know?
Base models fitting this catalytic converter cost $2,000 extra if you want all-wheel drive, but you can upgrade to AMG variants to get it standard. When it comes to speed, those wheels can help you reach 60mph in just over six seconds.
Brand or Maker: AP Exhaust
Interesting Fact: Approved for use to limit specific emissions
Unique Feature: California EO Approved design
photo source: summitracing.com
AP Exhaust makes products for exhaust systems, including catalytic converters, tailpipes, and more. The company has been in the aftermarket business for years, which means they produce exhaust parts that aren’t OE, but they do fit specific vehicles. Many products by AP Exhaust are pricey, like the brand’s collection of mufflers and accessories — but the really steep prices fall under the catalytic converter category.
This converter, for example, costs more than $1,500! The AP Exhaust 830457 converter has a metal body and is compatible with a range of Ford vehicles. Would you spend that much on a converter?
Did you know?
Compatibility for this catalytic converter starts in 1999, but slightly newer Ford models from 2004 are also compatible.
Brand or Maker: BMW
Interesting Fact: BMW doesn’t actually make this part
Unique Feature: BMW-approved design
photo source: fcpeuro.com
In the world of car parts, high-profile brands like BMW don’t always make their own parts — but the equipment is still considered OE. That’s because the brand designs the part, tests it, and hires the actual manufacturer. The part itself may not be made in a BMW factory, but the manufacturer was commissioned to create it by BMW and required to follow strict guidelines. The resulting part is identical to a vehicle’s original components.
One of the biggest benefits of using brand-certified car parts is the reduced risk of running into fit problems. With third-party equipment, you may not get the right fit — but now with original parts.
The benefits of original parts boost their price. This converter, for example, is certified by BMW, and its price tag reflects that. Buyers have to spend more than $2,000 to get their hands on it!
Did you know?
Since some OE parts are made by third-party manufacturers, buyers might get their BMW catalytic converter in a box with non-BMW branding.
Brand or Maker: HJS Motorsport & Tuning
Interesting Fact: This converter “improves sports car sound”
Unique Feature: Designed with simple DIY installation in mind
photo source: fabspeed.com
If Ferrari is involved, you know it’s going to be expensive.
This catalytic converter is designed for the Ferrari F430. The pricey sports car features a V8, goes from 0 to 60 in less than four seconds, and costs at least $70,000.
The F430 is expensive, and so is its catalytic converter. Even third-party converters come with thousand-dollar price tags. This one, for example. The pricey part is made by HJS Motorsport & Tuning in Germany. Buyers have to pay nearly $4,000 to get one, and that’s not even accounting for shipping costs.
Did you know?
This catalytic converter is made of stainless steel.
Brand or Maker: Chrysler
Interesting Fact: This part is OE
Unique Feature: Designed to fit a range of Chrysler PT Cruisers
photo source: worldpartsdirect.com
Coming in at number two is this catalytic converter designed for Chrysler PT Cruisers from 2004 to 2009. The expensive part is designed by Chrysler, so it’s considered OE, and the price tag reflects that.
Buyers with a Chrysler PT Cruiser don’t exactly own luxury vehicles. Estimates say the car has a price tag right around $18,000 — so this isn’t on par with higher-end brands like Ferrari. However, the vehicle’s catalytic converter does have a luxury price point. Suppliers ask for about $4,695 per Chrysler-approved converter. Yeah, that’s a lot.
Would you pay that much for this converter?
Did you know?
Reports say 2009 PT Cruisers are really popular today, which could boost the price of aftermarket parts.
Brand or Maker: Lamborghini
Interesting Fact: This part is made by Lamborghini
Unique Feature: Two-part converter design
photo source: scuderiacarparts.com
Lamborghini Aventador Catalytic Converters are the most expensive catalytic converters on the market.
This one has a crazy high price tag. The converter costs more than $7,000 — and that’s just for one. Lamborghini Aventadors need two, so you’re looking at a $14,000 price tag!
As an OE part, this converter is approved by the Lamborghini brand. That boosts the price, but a big part of the expense comes from a relatively limited supply. Aventadors aren’t as common as other vehicles, so replacement parts will automatically be pricier.
Did you know?
Other replacement parts for an Aventador’s fuel and exhaust system cost over $200 — including the left front thermocouple, which comes in at just over $247.
